A total of 253 players were selected in the 2012 NFL Draft. And just like life everyone plays their part. Some college players shine brightly. They are in the right place, at the right time. Surely there is a lot of hard work that goes into becoming a top draft choice but when you have an opportunity to play on a larger stage it tends to help you get noticed. And some of those players flourish at the next level while others wilt under the bright lights of the NFL. My thought when writing this five part series was not only to introduce some of the lesser known players to their new fans but also show why these players were selected in the later rounds when countless other were not. Even if a player is selected late it does not mean they don’t deserve to get their shot. And in some cases, these players earn what their higher draft counterparts are given, and that’s playing time and a chance to shine.

So in the last part of this five part series we will look at lucky number seven, the seventh round.

In the round known for producing “Mr. Irrelevant” (Last player taken in the seventh round) the Browns selected two players. The first is cornerback Trevin Wade from Arizona.

The Browns selected Wade with the 245th overall selection. This is one of those picks that can pay off big and cost very little. Wade had an outstanding sophomore year at Arizona which propelled him into the “elite class” conversation of some of the nation’s best corners. He was able to blanket and shut down many of the high-pick receivers playing in the NFL now making his mark as an outstanding cover corner. However he had a very disappointing junior campaign showing issues with his consistency. He recovered and had a good senior campaign but the consistency issues cost him draft position. He was still rated to go in the 2nd to 3th rounds so to find him still available in the 7th round was an opportunity that the Browns’ brass could not pass up. Wade has all the skills you want to see in a cover corner. He has great footwork. He possesses fluidity in his back-peddle and shows the ability to disrupt receivers at the line. If he can put forth consistent effort he will develop into a great 2nd or 3rd corner which is critical in the new-era pass-happy league.

And last but not least, with the 247th selection of the NFL Draft, the Cleveland Browns select Brad Smelley, tight end from Alabama. This pick did perplex me just a little at first. If there is one position that the Cleveland Browns are stacked at, it is tight end. So drafting yet another tight end is odd to say the least. Although I would not go so far as to say that the selection of Smelley stinks (Yes, the bad pun was intended).  In fact he is a fine player. He blocks well and has great hands along with decent speed for a tight end. Bucky Brooks says “He’s a scrappy competitor capable of making a contribution.”  And contribute he did. Smelley had 34 receptions including 4 touchdowns last season. If I am correct, Smelley will play at fullback for the Browns. He showed at Alabama he is capable of playing in the backfield and will likely compete with current incumbent Owen Marecic who had a disappointing 2011 season. The addition of Smelley in the backfield also gives 1st round selection, running back Trent Richardson a familiar blocker. If Smelley cracks into the starting lineup at fullback, it will reunite the Alabama tandem in the Browns backfield.

So there you have it. An in-depth look at the Cleveland Browns third-day draft selections. Hopefully you are more informed about each player and will know what to look for when the Browns start their preseason later this year.